Irish Setter Dog

Saturday, February 27, 2010

The affluent red color of the Irish Setter dog is the unmistakable mark of one of the favorite Sporting Dogs in the USA, at least in the Conformation Ring. This dog usually sends the crowd into huge rounds of praise as it floats around the ring. This is an animal that is certainly a "crowd-pleaser" and it is no doubt. A well reasonable smoothly moving Irish Setter dog is a breathtakingly attractive animal...the sort that all the crowd can take enjoyment in watching.

Irish Setters formerly were developed from the especially old breed, the Red and White Irish setter which was a well-known prospect in Ireland and Great Britain as early as the fifteenth century. The Red and White still exist is smaller numbers today but the pure red Setter has proved to be a much more popular breed, although in stature and formation there are only small difference. The Irish Setter dog that is used as a hunting dog possesses an determined desire to hunt and workings well in the field, however those who use him in the field often will have to give up some of the gorgeous coat to the scissors in return for a few less cockle burs to pick out. In truth there has been more emphasis placed on breeding for the coat shade, texture and and its length than on breeding hunting character. As a result the Irish Setter has become less in vogue as a hunting dog than it was in years past.

The Irish Setter should always have a profound red coloring, over the whole body including the nose and rims of the eyes, which should be "self-colored" . He has the build of the typical bird dog, well laid back in the shoulder and well angulated in the rear, giving him a protracted ground covering stride and the indispensable ability to quarter and turn when hunting for the covey of quail or pheasant. His entire appearance should present a picture of titled elegance. The dog should stand twenty five to twenty seven inches at the shoulder. The longer rear legs should be well angulated and the dog when moving should be extremely free and straight. There should be long straight feathering on the dog's ears, chest, belly, inside of the thighs and the backs of the front legs, the rear legs and the tail, with the rest of the coat lying flat and relatively smoothly with little wave or curl.

The Irish Setter breed certainly does have more than good looks, for a well bred Irish Setter is a thorough gentleman and a faithful friend in the home or on the weekend hunt. Their temperament is irreproachable, always joyful and always enthusiastic to please, although a puppy can be quite boisterous, he is usually also very tractable and effortless to educate. The distinctive Irish Setter is a dog that displays great family devotion and a generally even temper, making an ideal companion and family dog for those who like to have a giant dog. Being good with all ages, from the very juvenile to the very mature, the Irish Setter has endeared himself to the heart of all who have known him.